Thanks for the memories gtg. The SIF was always a good cheap date.

I'm sorry to hear the trip was canceled, but the next one will be even more fun.

Yes, Bas, it was a popular date among our friends when we were in high school.

Happy, may I ask your high school?

It looks as if your plans are set, but if anything changes or anyone else wants a recommendation for dinner at an Italian restaurant, we absolutely love this place, so much that we used to plan travel times to stop there. It is old, authentic, charming with wonderful food, makes you feel as if you have actually had an hour or two in Italy. It is close to the Verrazano Bridge.
https://basilioinn.com

Thank you for letting all know of Basilio Inn. I love these authentic places that are becoming increasingly rare.

There was a place in Jessup, MD called Blob's Park opened in 1933 as an authentic Bavarian Beer hall, and it was. Like Basilio's it was a place German immigrants gathered, more like a club that served real home cooking and beer. Long communal tables and a polka band on weekends. Low, low prices. It has since unfortunately closed but was a fun place to go.

Similarly authentic is Reggio Cafe, in NYC's Greenwich Village since 1927 where cappuccino was introduced to the US. Still has wonderful coffee and sweets and looks the same as when it opened. I used to hang out there. It is a small place to sit and talk with friends and feel transported to an earlier time.

Well now, the Basilio Inn looks very interesting! Can you tell me how far a walk (time-wise) it is from where the ferry docks?
Also, my friend has recommended Pastavino on SI. Have any of you eaten here?
https://www.pastavinosi.com/menus/
We're looking for a light (preferably seafood) lunch and on the water would be nice. The River Dock Cafe was the first one that came up but we don't need a reservation there so we're still open to ideas.

You chose correctly. I thought the Circle Line was boring. It does not get close enough to see all that much and the commentary is just canned drivel and not always accurate.

Well, it was a pretty nippy day but at least the sun was shining for most of it. The ferry ride was lovely and we took your advice about the right side of the boat so we got up-close and personal with the Statue of Liberty. We didn't eat at the River Dock Cafe because it turned out to be just part of the ferry terminal and we wanted to explore a little further on. I googled all the recommended restaurants but none of them was open for lunch but there's an outlet mall just outside the terminal so we just asked a kid working in the GAP and he recommended a local pizza place so we walked up to Bay Street and ended up eating there. We both like our meals and the fact that it was busy with people who seemed to live or work in the neighbourhood. I know we didn't get into the heart of Staten Island but the main purpose of the trip was the ferry ride and that was perfect. Maybe we'll visit Staten Island again one day.
Thanks again for all your good advice!